Full Time: Coventry 1 Fleetwood 2

Rob Stocks

A stunning David Ball strike sealed a vital victory for Fleetwood Town against high-flying Coventry.

Fleetwood were forced into a number of changes with the injury crisis at the back showing no sign of abating.

Victor Nirennold was called in as a makeshift right-back, potentially music to the ears of former England ace Joe Cole.

But for all the quality on their teamsheet Coventry failed to deliver before the break, Fleetwood organised and disciplined and more than holding their own.

Top scorer Adam Armstrong was limited to long range chances, the Sky Blues' best opportunity coming when Chris Stokes got a head on Cole's corner, his near post effort pushed clear by Chris Maxwell.

Town's struggle for goals has been very well documented.

And for all their strong approach play, clear cut opportunities were hard to come by before the break.

David Ball, playing just behind the front two of Wes Burns and Ash Hunter was a clear threat, linking Fleetwood's hard-working midfield.

And he had a shout for a penalty just before the half time whitle blew, a tug causing a heavy touch before keeper Reice Charles-Cook clipped the striker as he chased towards the deadball line.

David Coote was having none of it, the referee waving away Fleetwood's protests as boss Steven Pressley made his anger clear on the touchline.

Town's confidence appeared to be growing and after the break they did find their cutting edge.

Jimmy Ryan picked out Ash Hunter down the right, his ball to the back post inch perfect for Wes Burns who couldn't miss - his header a bullet, Town ahead.

Town for 15 minutes looked like stretching their advantage.

Amari'i Bell's low cross was just cut out with Antoni Sarcevic homing in.

Then Burns had another good chance, his touch letting him down after another stunning pass from Hunter.

Town have been in this position before and know just how to shoot themselves in the foot.

And when Joe Davis completely missed the run of Adam Armstrong, leaving the ball to run behind, Marcus Tudgay was in position to level.

From there Coventry were the favourites.

But Fleetwood weathered the storm finding themselves a winner right out of the top drawer.

Jimmy Ryan had been denied from point-blank range moments before Ball let fly, latching onto a half-hearted clearance and rifling a 25 yard screamer into the top corner to secure a first win on the road for Fleetwood since October.